Eighth-grader Marissa Jones was invited by USA Volleyball to participate in the National Team Development Program (NTDP), Spring Training Series facilitated in Washington, D.C. May 5-7, 2023. Marissa was the only representative from Georgia to attend where she had the opportunity to work with Olympic volleyball players and coaches, as well as collegiate coaches from across the nation. The mission of USA Volleyball is to identify, train, and develop elite athletes to build a sustainable pipeline for future Olympians.

Marissa is a setter with A5 Volleyball Club in Alpharetta, Georgia. Marissa plays on the 14-1 Helen Team and recently competed at the Big South National Volleyball Qualifier on March 31-April 2, 2023. There were 270 teams from across the U.S. that competed in the 14U Division. Marissa helped lead her team to clinch Gold with a 9-0 record to earn 1^st place on the 14 Open Gold Bracket. Helen 14-1 Team is only the 3^rd 14U team from Georgia to ever win 1^st place in the 14 Open Gold Division at the Big South National Qualifier. As a result of their victory, the team is qualified to compete on the 14 Open Level at USAV Nationals this summer in Chicago, Illinois, June 27-July 1, 2023.

The Big South National Qualifier was established in 1988 and is the largest indoor girl junior volleyball tournament held over a single weekend in North America. The tournament attracts more than 45,000 spectators and 1,200 teams.  

Marissa also plays setter for Woodward’s junior varsity team.